By Brenda Black
Getting caught up in the moment makes
a memory stick in your mind. Sounds, sights, and songs each have a
mysterious quality that burrows its way into the recesses of the
brain and the very soul of a man. There is power in the spoken word.
There is meaning in an image. There is emotion in a song. When Jesus
entered Jerusalem, surely the throngs of people who lined the
streets, waving palm branches and tossing their cloaks on the dusty
path before Him were overwhelmed by all they saw and felt. They were
caught up in a marvelous moment that happened long ago, yet impacts
us to this very day.
His celebrated arrival seemed like a
military victory. It was instead a prelude to death. In just a few
days, the Lord Jesus Christ taught his followers of the need for His
holy sacrifice. He imparted His mission. He compelled them to action.
He loved them completely, in spite of their abandoning Him.
He died
for them.
He taught. He cried. He served. He
suffered. He died.
All of a sudden, that triumphant
parade felt like a mockery. Hopes crushed. Dreams dashed. Hearts
broken and grieving. Lives altered significantly, having spent time
with this King, yet so helpless to stop His suffering. Soldiers
brutally crucified this loving leader! His enthusiastic followers
cowered and shuttered in disbelief as Jesus died before their
tear-blurred eyes.
The loud “Hosannas” that rang just
a few days earlier, were silenced by sobs and wailing. The kind King,
the gentle Lamb, the Friend of sinners and the Wise Teacher dead.
How could any event erase the
heart-wrenching embedded memories of heinous sounds and visions? Only
one moment makes such a difference – the Resurrection!
HE LIVES!
Easter Sunday undoes the
disappointment of Palm Sunday's short-lived victory. Easter Sunday
redeems the traitorous act committed on Thursday. Easter Sunday
obliterates the finality of Good Friday! From the time Jesus mounted
a donkey and waved to the masses, to the miraculous moment He dropped
grave clothes and adorned Himself in glorious immortality, we recount
history this week. We have the position in time to see the whole
story and know how it ends. All the sights and sounds, from jubilant
choruses to haunting dirges to astonished praises, we see on this
side of the cross and the empty tomb. When we read again about the
moments that changed the world, it's easy to commiserate with the
downcast and be awe-stricken with those surprised by the outcome. We
have the privilege of reliving that moment when death was replaced by
eternal promise, every day of our lives.
As you celebrate Easter in 2015, never
forget how it all began. Remember the journey and think on the
sacrifice, but most importantly believe in the end of the story. A
Risen Savior reigns more than 2000 years later! Because He lives, our
souls and our senses are touched again.
©Brenda Black The Word's Out
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